Chicago Local Counseling and Therapy

Put yourself first

You are valuable and deserve care. Sometimes care comes from connecting with your community and loved ones, while other times you might need care from a professional, or someone outside your closest network. Whatever the case, you have earned the right to put yourself and your needs first. Here are some publicly available, free resources to help you do just that.

LGBTQ Mental Health Resources

• Howard Brown Health provides healthcare rooted in LGBTQ+ liberation. Their Broadway Youth Center (BYC) focuses on improving the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ 14-24 year olds by providing integrated healthcare and social services. They offer therapy, as well as a host of other health and education services. BYC sees anyone, regardless of ability to pay, and has support for young people experiencing homelessness.
• Center On Halsted is dedicated to ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for the LGBTQ community. A comprehensive community center, they assist with vocational training, health testing and group therapy. They are open 7 days a week.

Mental Health Resources For Women

• Womencare Counseling & Training Center specializes in overcoming trauma and loss with a feminist structure. They work to help you form loving and healthy bonds with yourself and others. Each therapist  will provide you with a Good Faith Estimate at the time of your first appointment.
• Chicago Women’s Health Center provides a space for women, transgender and young people to receive comprehensive healthcare, counseling, and education on a self-determined sliding scale. Services include primary care, nutritional education, gynecology, and much more.

Behavioral Health Resources

• Association House of Chicago has behavioral health services designed for people facing various challenges at different points in life, whether they are teens living with emotional or mental health issues, young adults dealing with substance abuse, or families in need of support.
• Community Counseling Centers of Chicago understands that your mental, emotional, and physical health matter. They provide medical care, therapy, and educational services to help spot mental illness in young adults. With a 24 hour 7-day a week rapid response center, they will always be there to help in times of crisis.
• The Center for Contextual Change uses advanced behavioral techniques to spark a transformation within you. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and yoga are just a couple of techniques used to help on your path and inspire positive behavior. Call their intake line to set up a new appointment for virtual therapy. 847-676-4447 ext 2.
• Haymarket Center assists with substance abuse recovery using behavioral health solutions. Withdrawal management is treated with 24-hour care and both inpatient and outpatient programs are available. Call 312-CAN-HELP to get help today.
• Thresholds provides services for those struggling with severe mental illness and substance abuse. Clients have access to a wide network of case managers, therapists,  social workers and nurse practitioners who will give the best care regardless of your pay scale. For questions and intake services, reach out to Thresholds at 773-432-6555 or YoungAdult@thresholds.org.
• Chicago Connects allows you to search by zip code or neighborhood to find behavioral health and social service resources in your area.

Telehealth Services

• Sista Afiya has counselors to support you on your healing journey, through tele-therapy. They primarily serve young adult Black women between ages 18-35, and offer low-cost  monthly support groups, group therapy & workshops under $35/session. Sista Afiya also offers free community-wide events that support Black women throughout their healing journey.
• Step Up For Mental Health establishes a safe space for topics in society that are having a toll on communities dealing with added stress, anxiety, and depression. These virtual Zoom Peer Support Group events are intended for Chicago locals and free to attend.

Immigration And Mental Health Resources

• Immigrants Rising Wellness Support Groups are weekly virtual sessions led by trained mental health providers or registered clinicians, designed to help undocumented people feel less alone and more understood. Sessions are free, but advanced registration is required. Find out about their upcoming groups scheduled.
• Heartland Alliance assists asylum seekers and newcomers with resources needed to flourish in their new communities. Through counseling, education and economic opportunities, Heartland Alliance will be of service.

Additional Mental Health Resources

• No Shame On U is a Chicagoland org with a comprehensive list of local counseling options. They can help you get the resources you need, whether you’ve experienced the effects of addiction, trauma, grief or suicide.
• Nourishing Hope provides individual, couples, and group therapy free of charge. Their program provides mental health counseling with a focus on crisis stabilization and connection to other mental health services as needed. To request counseling services, please call the Social Services team at 773-525-1777 ext. 244 or email mentalhealth@NourishingHope.org.
• Metropolitan Family Services believes in serving families and the community through various programs, services, and mental health resources. Economic stability, legal aide, and senior services are some of the resources you can find for assistance.
• Mental Health America of Illinois has worked to eliminate false assumptions about mental illness and promote healthy well-being. They will connect you with the right mental health resources that will be the best fit for you.
• Live Oak  provides psychotherapy and consultation if you’re grappling with your mental health. Psychological testing is offered if you’re unsure where you are in your journey and need extra assistance.

IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS, OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS IN CRISIS, PLEASE REACH OUT FOR HELP: 

Call 24/7 hotline: 988 OR 1-800-273-(TALK) 8255
OR
Text 741741 for a 24/7 crisis text line – a live, trained crisis counselor receives the text and responds quickly